ABSTRACT
In any case, vitalism is a better word than primitivism for describing Norris's thematic ideas, and it relates to a strong tradition in modern vitalism that stresses the value of sacrifice and ordeal. That Norris found in vitalism a moral frame for the powerful "forces" at work in his novel is verified by his use of a third force, the People, to work with the Wheat and against the Railroad. As the social conflict intensifies, the People become a poetic concept, a religious identity like the Wheat/Woman. Norris also found a direct way to associate Wheat, as life-force, with sexual energy and Woman. All three male protagonists are brought to experience this redemptive vitalist triad: Presley, the poet-seer, in general terms, Annixter, the macho rancher, in specific sexuality, and Vanamee, the mystic, in transcendental experience. The most explicit scene belongs to Annixter. In summary, then, apocalyptic themes in naturalist writing reflect the traditional need for metaphysical judgment.
